a birthday well spent

Visiting Crater Lake has always been on my bucket list, and since my birthday fell on Labor Day this year, I thought what better way to spend the long weekend!? It was seriously the best birthday I think I've had, even though we were road tripping back home for the majority of my actual birthday. We set up tent at Diamond Lake which is about 20 minutes away from Crater, and let me tell you, the campsite views were just as grand. We were surrounded by trees the whole weekend and could see the entire night sky at night. This is definitely a weekend I'll always remember and I can't wait to plan the next birthday destination.

Those clear blue waters though.

Us girls conquered another National Park together! We took on the Grand Canyon together as well.

My babe, the captain.

Rooney was happy too.

So the wind wasn't our favorite, and neither were the freezing nights.

Those tree views!

If I thought Crater Lake couldn't get any better, it did. Steph, Megan and I headed back to watch the sunset, and I'm sure happy we did. 

hey there, dahlia

I discovered one of the best things last week--there is a dahlia festival not far south of Portland! I'm not sure how it has gone unnoticed considering it is a must see for any flower lover. The photos from the day do not do it any justice. We spent over an hour wandering through the 30 acres of color, but we could have stayed all day. 

of course we each picked out a few bunches

^ I love this just because of the tutti fruiti sign

conservatories

Can we all just agree that there needs to be more conservatories? Check out this beaut! I headed to Seattle just for the day last weekend to check out the Volunteer Park Conservatory, among other things. I'm so lucky my dad agreed to hang out with me for the day so that I didn't have to venture around the city alone. The $4 fee to get in and wander was well worth the views:

please note that my dad is the ultimate "dad" check out that dad outfit

spontaneity

I usually wouldn't consider myself the spontaneous type, as I am more of a planner. However, this weekend that may have all changed. As the Portland heat crept in and hit the 100's this past weekend, I needed an escape. We were sitting in houses without air conditioning throughout the day and slowly soaking through our clothes. I couldn't even pretend sitting on the couch was satisfying. Then I mentioned the beach to Erik as he quickly shut me down. Understandable considering it was 3 in the afternoon. I sulked on the hardwood floor. About half an hour later in a moment of silence, he murmured "the beach house is available." I jumped for joy as he informed me I had 10 minutes to grab my things. I'm not sure I would have survived this weekend if we hadn't headed west. As we drove back into town on Sunday and slowly watched the thermometer rise, all we wanted to do was turn around. Thank you for being spontaneous with me, Erik.  

cheers to twenty six

This past weekend I celebrated my twenty sixth birthday; although I think I'm still in denial about the whole situation.  I swear I just turned twenty five, as time just seems to be accelerating. It's humorous because I feel like just yesterday I was complaining about not being old enough for anything.  I would fight nap time, complain about rules, and wanted nothing more than to be my own boss.  Now I complain about not having enough naps and life not being as carefree and easy as it once was. Twenty six does have its perks however, as with this age I am able to throw a party with some of my favorite people and endless amounts of wine.  Although the day went nothing as planned, with only getting to see one winery and having the party bus become the actual party, I was so thankful to spend it with these people. Cheers to you guys for making twenty six so memorable!

#pdxeats

I've been indulging in a number of Portland eats recently and I'd just like to share a few...

Deschutes Brewery: the pretzel is a must have

Bar Bar: Last week was "Portland Burger Week" and so I took full advantage, obviously.  Bar Bar offered their State Fair Burger which is presented on an Alessio bun (my favorite part).  I also tried the Stuffed Cheese Curd Burger at North Light and if I'm being honest, could have had more cheese curds. This desire coming from a cheese lover, noted.  Lastly, I stopped by Club 21 for their Shadow Burger which was advertised as being 'topped off with an onion ring' however, mine was not.  I failed to notice until the last bite, so it wasn't a terrible absence. *all burgers were not consumed in one day (but two)*

Mike's Drive In: I had an unplanned date with the brother here and am so thankful it occurred.  I notice each time I see him how much alike we are, and am so happy to have such an amazing guy as my brother.  You can never go wrong with one of their seasonal shakes.

Cupcake Jones: This has got to be one of the best cupcake shops in Portland.  It's located in the Pearl District and offers just a handful of flavors including Cookie Dough, PB&J, Peanut Butter Cup, and German Chocolate.  It was fun indulging with my littlest friend for her second birthday.  

Mod Pizza: This isn't technically located in Portland, but it's right across the river in Vancouver, WA.  It's a fast serve pizza place so I was all in when asked to be the third wheel with one of my favorite couples.  

Fact: I can never say no to pizza. 

Tis' the Season

I love to see couples tie the knot no matter what.  There's just something about that moment when the bride comes out that makes me whisper "I'm going to cry" every single time.  However, a summer night, a tree farm, oven roasted pizza, and an ice cream truck all make for the perfect wedding.  As I headed up the driveway to the location, I immediately knew how perfect the wedding was going to be. I started noting the things I liked as if Pinterest had come alive.  I love this season like it were supposed to be included in the other four.  If that was the case, it would without a doubt, be my number one.  This fact becomes obvious as I had to get dragged off the dance floor, not ready for the night to end. 

out east...

is my rural escape

just beyond acres of endless fields

and old abandoned homes

lies a river I've come to know well

with a dock I've come to call my own

and a patch of grass to hold my temporary shelter

where I can play my favorite card game for hours.

It seems like every year my trip to Maupin comes at the perfect time, as I desperately seek an escape from every day life.  In Maupin, routine is nonexistent as well as obligations and concerns.  It is here that I can lay on my dock and enjoy a good book until only the sun has worn me out, I can raft down the river and lose all track of time, and I can reminisce with good friends about all the good times.  For these reasons, Maupin has become my summer escape. Correction: my favorite escape.